Naturalization Rules Highlight Character Standards

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reaffirms that the evaluation of Good Moral Character (GMC) is an essential element for the naturalization of foreign nationals, going beyond the mere absence of unlawful conduct. Becoming a U.S. citizen entails assuming social rights and responsibilities, and it is necessary to demonstrate character consistent with the standards of the community in which the applicant resides.

Historically, prior to 1990, officers assessed GMC broadly, taking into account factors such as community service, family responsibilities, and evidence of rehabilitation. Following legislative changes, particularly the Immigration Act of 1990 and the IIRIRA, the analysis shifted toward fixed bars, including drug offenses, fraud, and false claims. USCIS now returns to a more comprehensive approach, based on the totality of circumstances.

In practice, this means that the assessment must consider both negative and positive aspects of the applicant’s history. Positive factors include community involvement, family ties, educational attainment, stable employment history, length of lawful residence, and compliance with tax obligations. Disqualifying conduct includes serious crimes such as homicide, genocide, torture, false claims of U.S. citizenship, illegal voting, multiple DUI convictions, or other behaviors inconsistent with societal norms, even if not technically criminal.

USCIS also emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation, recognizing as positive evidence actions such as regularizing child support payments, complying with court-imposed conditions, repaying benefits, paying taxes, and providing community testimony that attests to the applicant’s current conduct.

Thus, the evaluation of GMC should reflect not only the absence of prohibited conduct but also the presence of positive character, demonstrated through social contributions, family responsibilities, and personal integrity. The goal is to ensure that naturalization is granted only to individuals who consistently demonstrate alignment with the ethical and civic standards of American society.